Naa Takia has been leading the Account Management and Operations team at Pulse Ghana for more than 3 years. In this Pulse People interview, she talks about what that looks like, and the interesting, sometimes daring educational and career choices that led her to Pulse.
Tell me about your background, how you came to be involved in editorial work and/or digital publishing.
Since I can remember, I have always been passionate about the arts, especially reading and writing. But for my first degree, I waived my passion for the arts and went ahead to study Economics at the university. In the years following my graduation and national service, during which I taught Economics and Government classes to senior high students, I began actively pursuing a writing career. I left my job at a prestigious luxury real estate company in Ghana and switched my career direction to Digital Publishing. I took up a Content Marketing Lead & Editor-in-Chief role with a new start-up, where we built an online publishing & blogging platform for colleges and students in Ghana and beyond. I was in charge of comms. and social marketing for the platform. Additionally, I recruited, trained, and managed our team of writers and campus clubs. I changed careers again in 2017; this time from Digital Publishing to Digital Marketing. That’s how I found myself at Pulse and the rest is an ongoing story.
Tell me about how you got into Pulse.
The funny thing is, I don’t remember applying for a job at Pulse. I almost did not show up for the interview, but then I decided to ‘just see what’s up’. My first interview was conducted by three people (the Head of Client Services, the Head of Account Management, and a Senior Account Manager). I left the interview not really caring if I got a callback or not because frankly, I wasn’t 100% sure if I wanted a new job. Later, I was invited for another interview with the MD, after which I was hired. Interestingly, I became friends with each of my interviewers, one of whom is now my best friend. When it comes to work, I only have one policy: to give my best. I can only give my best wherever I am, and that is usually enough. Despite that, I am also obsessed with adding a little something; going the extra mile; and constantly pushing myself to go above and beyond. That’s how I rose through Pulse’s ranks; from Digital Account Manager to Senior Digital Account Manager to Head of Account Management, and then to Director of Account Management and Operations. The hours I put in, the skills I acquired, the challenges that I took and turned into successes, and most importantly, the people who said my name behind closed doors were what led me here.
Tell me about your current role at Pulse.
I am currently the Director of Account Management and Operations at Pulse Ghana. I have been in this position for three and a half years. As Director of AM & Ops, my department is one-half of the marketing arm of the business. I consider my incredible and supportive team – made up of Account Managers, Graphic Designers, Web developers, Copywriters, and Online Marketing Mgr. – as the engine of the business. We execute all Marketing and PR/Comms campaigns for our clients.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day, I lead my team to deliver the results and excellence promised to our clients, as well as to develop and execute strategic and creative marketing campaigns to maximize client retention, upselling, and new business
I know that work can get tiring sometimes. What do you do when this happens? How do you draw inspiration? What are your sources of inspiration?
Anyone who has worked at a marketing agency knows the drill. We are constantly working around the clock to ensure our campaigns are successful and our clients are satisfied and happy. As there is a lot of project and people management, all this running around can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. It’s important to me to take time off; something that’s hard to do when working in an agency. Reading is one of my favourite ways to cool off, so getting lost in a book is always a fantastic idea. I also reward myself by taking short breaks to do something fun. In spite of how cliché it sounds, inspiration can be found anywhere; in people, in things, and in places. I take advantage of everything around me to get that burst of (creative) energy.
How do you have fun? How do you spend your time when you’re not on the job?
Ha. Fun for me looks like…about 5 things; travel, beach, hang out with friends, movies and sleep. Before you ask, yes! Sleeping is fun.